Multiple projectile ammunition

ABSTRACT

A casing has a projectile receiving end portion and a primer receiving end portion. A plurality of projectiles is positioned in a stacked configuration within the casing at the projectile receiving end portion. A propellant receiving space is defined within the casing between an innermost one of the projectiles and the primer receiving end portion of the casing. The innermost one of the projectiles has a gas check body attached thereto at an end face thereof exposed to the propellant receiving space of the casing. A first cannulure is positioned between the gas check body and the primer receiving end portion of the casing for defining a protrusion for limiting displacement of the gas check body toward the primer receiving end portion of the casing. A second cannulure is positioned within the projectile receiving end portion of the casing for forming a protrusion that engages an outermost one of the projectiles.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The disclosures made herein relate generally to ammunition for firearms and, more particularly, to firearm ammunition having a plurality of stacked projectiles.

BACKGROUND

The .38 Special +P/HP (i.e., enhanced pressure hollow point) cartridge is known to be one of the most popular self-defense rounds of ammunition. However, this round of ammunition is also known to not be well suited for handguns with relatively short barrels (e.g., 2″-3″ barrels). This is a result of the relatively short barrel length typically not generating sufficient velocity to ensure reliable bullet expansion (i.e., obturation). In addition, the high recoil force associated with this round can hinder accurate shooting and/or cause discomfort in the hand of some shooter's. This presents a problem for some shooters with limited hand strength or manual dexterity issues who have a desire to employ an effective self-defense cartridge using a controllable and comfortable firearm platform.

Furthermore, there are limited offerings of self-defense cartridges for short-barreled handguns. More specifically, there currently are no commercially produced non-frangible cartridges designed specifically for point blank or close range engagement. This void in commercially available non-frangible cartridges includes non-frangible cartridges that offer rapid and complete bullet expansion at the low velocities inherent in standard pressure loads when fired from short-barreled handguns.

Therefore, a cartridge (i.e., a round of ammunition) that that overcomes the abovementioned shortcomings of conventional cartridges and unmet commercial cartridge offerings would be advantageous, desirable and useful.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

Embodiments of the present invention overcome certain shortcomings of conventional cartridges and fulfill previously unmet commercial cartridge offerings. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to a cartridge including a plurality of stacked projectiles. Advantageously, this cartridge is configured in a manner whereby the projectiles reliably separate and tumble upon entering a target (e.g., tissue of a person). The underlying benefit is that, for a short-barreled handgun, a cartridge configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention provides similar energy transfer and physiological effect to a fully expanded HP bullet but at a lower velocity and felt recoil.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a round of ammunition comprises a casing, a plurality of projectiles positioned within the casing, and a plurality of indention structures formed within the casing. The casing has a projectile receiving end portion and a primer receiving end portion. The plurality of projectiles positioned within the casing at the projectile receiving end portion thereof. The projectiles are arranged in a stacked configuration, and wherein a propellant receiving space is defined within the casing between an innermost one of the projectiles and the primer receiving end portion of the casing. A first one of the indention structures is positioned between the innermost one of the projectiles and the primer receiving end portion of the casing for defining a protrusion for limiting displacement of the innermost one of the protrusions toward the primer receiving end portion of the casing. A second one of the indention structures is positioned within the projectile receiving end portion of the casing for forming a protrusion that engages an outermost one of the projectiles.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a round of ammunition comprises a casing, a plurality of projectiles positioned within the casing, and a plurality of cannulures formed within the casing. The casing has a projectile receiving end portion and a primer receiving end portion. The plurality of projectiles is positioned within the casing at the projectile receiving end portion thereof. The projectiles are arranged in a stacked configuration. A propellant receiving space is defined within the casing between an innermost one of the projectiles and the primer receiving end portion of the casing. The innermost one of the projectiles has a gas check body attached thereto at an end face thereof exposed to the propellant receiving space of the casing. A first one of the cannulures is positioned between the gas check body and the primer receiving end portion of the casing for defining a protrusion for limiting displacement of the gas check body toward the primer receiving end portion of the casing. A second one of the cannulures is positioned within the projectile receiving end portion of the casing for forming a protrusion that engages an outermost one of the projectiles.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a round of ammunition comprises a casing, a plurality of projectiles positioned within the casing, plurality of cannulures formed within the casing, and a force exerting device disposed between two adjacent ones of the projectiles. The casing has a projectile receiving end portion and a primer receiving end portion. The plurality of projectiles positioned within the casing at the projectile receiving end portion thereof. The projectiles are arranged in a stacked configuration. A propellant receiving space is defined within the casing between an innermost one of the projectiles and the primer receiving end portion of the casing. The innermost one of the projectiles has a gas check body attached thereto at an end face thereof exposed to the propellant receiving space of the casing. A first one of the cannulures is positioned between the gas check body and the primer receiving end portion of the casing for defining a protrusion for limiting displacement of the gas check body toward the primer receiving end portion of the casing. A second one of the cannulures is positioned within the projectile receiving end portion of the casing for forming a protrusion that engages an outermost one of the projectile. The two adjacent ones of the projectiles are in abutted engagement with the force exerting device for maintaining the force exerting device in a deflected configuration such that a reactant force is exerted on the two adjacent ones of the projectiles by the force exerting device.

These and other objects, embodiments, advantages and/or distinctions of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification, associated drawings and appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a round of ammunition configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 2-2 in FIG. 1; and

FIG. 3 is detail view showing a portion of the round of ammunition shown in FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1 and 2 show a round of ammunition (e.g., a cartridge 100) configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The cartridge 100 includes a casing 102 having a projectile receiving end portion 104 and a primer receiving end portion 106. A rim 108 and a primer bore 110 are provided at the primer receiving end portion 106. The primer bore 110 is configured for having a primer 112 mounted therein. It is disclosed herein that a water-resistance seal can be provided between the primer 112 and the casing 102 by providing a suitable sealant between the primer 112 and a mating wall of the primer bore 110.

The casing 102 has a substantially round cross sectional shape. The projectile receiving end portion 104 defines an open end portion of the casing 102. The primer receiving end portion 106 defines a closed end portion of the casing 102 (i.e., when the primer 112 is within the primer bore 110. A casing cavity 114 is defined between the projectile receiving end portion 104 and the primer receiving end portion 106. The casing 102 is cylindrical along a length of the casing cavity 114. The primer bore 110 intersects with the casing cavity 114 at the primer receiving end portion 106 via a reduced diameter passage 115 of the primer bore 110.

A first (i.e., innermost) projectile 116, a second (i.e., intermediate) projectile 118, and a third (i.e., outermost) projectile 120 define a plurality of projectiles that are positioned within the casing cavity 114 at the projectile receiving end portion 104 of the casing 102. The projectiles 116, 118, 120 are arranged in a stacked configuration. Preferably, but not necessarily, adjacent mating surfaces of the projectiles 116, 118, 120 are in a nested configuration. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, mating contact surfaces of the projectiles 116, 118, 120 have respective conical cone and conical cup surfaces that are engaged with each other for providing such a stacked and nested configuration.

With the projectiles 116, 118, 120 positioned within the casing cavity 114, a propellant receiving space 122 is defined within the casing 102 between the first projectile 116 and the primer receiving end portion 106 of the casing 102. A volume of propellant 124 is contained within the propellant receiving space 122. Ignition of the propellant 124 is initiated by activation of the primer 112 and an ensuing propellant ignition source that travels from the primer 112 into the reduced diameter passage 115 of the primer bore 110.

The first projectile 116 has a gas check body 126 attached at an end face of the first projectile that is exposed to the propellant receiving space 122 of the casing 102. The gas check body 126 is engaged with a gas check body engagement surface 128 of the first projectile 116. The gas check body 126 is retained to the first projectile 116 by a gas check body retaining structure 130. In one embodiment (shown in FIG. 2), gas check body retaining structure 130 is integral with the first projectile 116, extends through an aperture of the gas check body 126, and is shaped in a manner so as to secure the gas check body 126 against the gas check body engagement surface 128 of the first projectile 116. For example, the gas check body retaining structure 130 can be peened, swaged, or otherwise deformed to act as a rivet for securing the gas check body in place with respect to the gas check body engagement surface 128.

In FIG. 2, it can be seen that the first projectile 116 can have a solid base 132 as opposed to the conical cup configuration of the corresponding faces of the second projectile 118 and the third projectile 120. The gas check body engagement surface 128 and the gas check body retaining structure 130 jointly define such solid base 132. Advantageously, the solid base 132 limits obturation (i.e., compression-induced swelling) of the first projectile relative to an embodiment where the first projectile 116 has a base with a conical cup configuration.

Preferably, but not necessarily, the gas check body 126 is made from a material that has a higher hardness and/or melting point than does a material from which the first projectile 116 is made. In this manner, the gas check body 126 protects the first projectile from excessive obturation and/or melting upon firing of the cartridge 100. In combination, the gas check body 126 and the solid base 132 reduce barrel bore leading (e.g., via reduced obturation and/or melting of the first projectile 116) and serves as a barrel bore cleaner/scraper. Although the gas check body 126 is a preferred element of the cartridge 100, it is disclosed herein that the gas check body 126 can be omitted in other embodiments of a cartridge configured in accordance with the present invention.

As discussed above, the casing 102 has a substantially cylindrical cross-sectional configuration along a length of the casing cavity 114. Correspondingly, the gas check body 126 has a substantially round cross sectional configuration (e.g., in the form of a flat washer). Preferably, but not necessarily, the gas check body 126 has an outside diameter approximately the same as an inside diameter of casing cavity 114 adjacent to the projectile receiving end portion 104. Preferably, but not necessarily, the gas check body engagement surface 128 and mating surface of the gas check body 126 are substantially flat.

A first cannulure 134 is positioned between the gas check body 126 and the primer receiving end portion 106 of the casing 102. The first cannulure 134 and the first projectile 116 are jointly positioned such that the gas check body 126 is seated against or is immediately adjacent to the first cannulure 134. In this manner, the first cannulure defines a protrusion for limiting displacement of the first projectile 116 toward the primer receiving end portion 106 of the casing 102. The first cannulure 134 is an embodiment of an indention structure formed in the casing for limiting displacement of the first projectile 116 toward the primer receiving end portion 106 of the casing 102. Other embodiments of such an indention structure include, but are not limited to, dimples, impressions, ridges, bumps, creases, and the like.

A second cannulure 136 is positioned within the projectile receiving end portion 104 of the casing 102. The second cannulure 136 defines a protrusion that engages the third projectile 120 for limiting unintentional movement of the third projectile 120. Thus, the first and second cannulures 134, 136 jointly secure the projectiles 116, 118, 120 in a substantially fixed position until discharge of the cartridge 100. Preferably, but not necessarily, the first and second cannulures 134, 136 are formed after loading projectiles 116, 118, 120. The second cannulure 136 is an embodiment of an indention structure formed in the casing for limiting unintentional movement of the third projectile 120. Other embodiments of such an indention structure include, but are not limited to, dimples, impressions, ridges, bumps, creases, and the like.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, a force exerting device 138 can be disposed between the first and second projectiles 116, 118. The first and second projectiles 116, 118 are in abutted engagement with the force exerting device 138 for maintaining the force exerting device 138 in a deflected configuration relative to a static configuration. In this deflected configuration, a reactant force is exerted on the first and second projectiles 116, 118 by the force exerting device 138. A Belleville spring, a wave washer and the like are examples of the force exerting device 138. The underlying intent of the force exerting device 138 is for the reactant force to act on the first and second projectiles 116,118 upon discharge of the cartridge 100 and enhance (e.g., increase) a magnitude of separation of the projectiles 116, 118, 120. Thus, the force exerting device 138 is an example of a means for enhancing separation of the projectiles 116, 118, 120. It is disclosed herein that other means for providing such separation can be implemented. For example, a mass imbalance between two adjacent ones of the projectiles 116, 118, 120 can be created by addition and/or omission of mass at a location that created an asymmetric center of mass for one or more of the projectiles 116, 118, 120.

It is disclosed herein that one or more of the projectiles 116, 118, 120 and/or the casing 102 can be coated with a material composition for enhancing one or more characteristics of the cartridge 100. For example, in one embodiment, the third projectile 120 is coated with a material composition (e.g., nylon) for reduce bore leading and to provide a water-resistant seal at the case mouth and/or at a line of contact with the second cannulure 136. In this manner, the second cannulure 136 and, optionally, a coating applied to the third projectile 120 can provide for a water-resistant interface suitable for conforming to certain known standards. Similarly, the casing 102 can be coated with a composition (e.g., nickel) for enhancing such water-resistant seal and limiting corrosion of the casing 102. A benefit of such water-resistant interface is that it promotes reliability of the cartridge 100 for extended storage periods under variable temperature, atmospheric pressure and humidity.

Although the invention has been described with reference to several exemplary embodiments, it is understood that the words that have been used are words of description and illustration, rather than words of limitation. Changes may be made within the purview of the appended claims, as presently stated and as amended, without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention in all its aspects. Although the invention has been described with reference to particular means, materials and embodiments, the invention is not intended to be limited to the particulars disclosed; rather, the invention extends to all functionally equivalent technologies, structures, methods and uses such as are within the scope of the appended claims. 

1. A round of ammunition, comprising: a casing having a projectile receiving end portion and a primer receiving end portion; a plurality of projectiles positioned within the casing at the projectile receiving end portion thereof, wherein said projectiles are arranged in a stacked configuration, and wherein a propellant receiving space is defined within the casing between an innermost one of said projectiles and the primer receiving end portion of the casing; and a plurality of indention structures formed within the casing, wherein a first one of said indention structures is positioned between the innermost one of said projectiles and the primer receiving end portion of the casing for defining a protrusion for limiting displacement of the innermost one of said protrusions toward the primer receiving end portion of the casing and wherein a second one of said indention structures is positioned within the projectile receiving end portion of the casing for forming a protrusion that engages an outermost one of said projectiles.
 2. The round of ammunition of claim 1 wherein an intermediate one of said projectiles is positioned between the innermost one of said projectiles and the outermost one of said projectiles such that the innermost one of said projectiles and the intermediate one of said projectiles are both positioned between said first second indention structures.
 3. The round of ammunition of claim 1, further comprising: a force exerting device disposed between two adjacent ones of said projectiles, wherein said two adjacent ones of said projectiles are in abutted engagement with the force exerting device for maintaining the force exerting device in a deflected configuration such that a reactant force is exerted on said two adjacent ones of said projectiles by the force exerting device.
 4. The round of ammunition of claim 3 wherein an intermediate one of said projectiles is positioned between the innermost one of said projectiles and the outermost one of said projectiles such that the innermost one of said projectiles and the intermediate one of said projectiles are both positioned between said first second indention structures.
 5. The round of ammunition of claim 1 wherein the innermost one of said projectiles is seated against the first one of said indention structures.
 6. The round of ammunition of claim 5, further comprising: a force exerting device disposed between two adjacent ones of said projectiles, wherein said two adjacent ones of said projectiles are in abutted engagement with the force exerting device for maintaining the force exerting device in a deflected configuration such that a reactant force is exerted on said two adjacent ones of said projectiles by the force exerting device.
 7. A round of ammunition, comprising: a casing having a projectile receiving end portion and a primer receiving end portion; a plurality of projectiles positioned within the casing at the projectile receiving end portion thereof, wherein said projectiles are arranged in a stacked configuration, and wherein a propellant receiving space is defined within the casing between an innermost one of said projectiles and the primer receiving end portion of the casing, wherein the innermost one of said projectiles has a gas check body attached thereto at an end face thereof exposed to the propellant receiving space of the casing; and a plurality of cannulures formed within the casing, wherein a first one of said cannulures is positioned between the gas check body and the primer receiving end portion of the casing for defining a protrusion for limiting displacement of the gas check body toward the primer receiving end portion of the casing and wherein a second one of said cannulures is positioned within the projectile receiving end portion of the casing for forming a protrusion that engages an outermost one of said projectiles.
 8. The round of ammunition of claim 7 wherein an intermediate one of said projectiles is positioned between the innermost one of said projectiles and the outermost one of said projectiles such that the innermost one of said projectiles and the intermediate one of said projectiles are both positioned between said first second cannulures.
 9. The round of ammunition of claim 7 wherein: the projectile receiving end portion of the casing has a substantially cylindrical cross-sectional configuration; the gas check body has a substantially round cross sectional configuration; and the gas check body has an outside diameter approximately the same as an inside diameter of the projectile receiving end portion of the casing.
 10. The round of ammunition of claim 7 wherein the gas check body is engaged with a gas check body engagement surface of the innermost one of said projectiles.
 11. The round of ammunition of claim 10 wherein the gas check body engagement surface is substantially flat.
 12. The round of ammunition of claim 10 wherein the innermost projectile includes a gas check body retaining structure extending through an aperture within the gas check body.
 13. The round of ammunition of claim 12 wherein the gas check body retaining structure in integral with end extends from the gas check body engagement surface of the innermost one of said projectiles.
 14. The round of ammunition of claim 13 wherein the gas check body engagement surface is substantially flat.
 15. The round of ammunition of claim 14, further comprising: a force exerting device disposed between two adjacent ones of said projectiles, wherein said two adjacent ones of said projectiles are in abutted engagement with the force exerting device for maintaining the force exerting device in a deflected configuration such that a reactant force is exerted on said two adjacent ones of said projectiles by the force exerting device.
 16. A round of ammunition, comprising: a casing having a projectile receiving end portion and a primer receiving end portion; a plurality of projectiles positioned within the casing at the projectile receiving end portion thereof, wherein said projectiles are arranged in a stacked configuration, and wherein a propellant receiving space is defined within the casing between an innermost one of said projectiles and the primer receiving end portion of the casing, wherein the innermost one of said projectiles has a gas check body attached thereto at an end face thereof exposed to the propellant receiving space of the casing; a plurality of cannulures formed within the casing, wherein a first one of said cannulures is positioned between the gas check body and the primer receiving end portion of the casing for defining a protrusion for limiting displacement of the gas check body toward the primer receiving end portion of the casing and wherein a second one of said cannulures is positioned within the projectile receiving end portion of the casing for forming a protrusion that engages an outermost one of said projectile; and a force exerting device disposed between two adjacent ones of said projectiles, wherein said two adjacent ones of said projectiles are in abutted engagement with the force exerting device for maintaining the force exerting device in a deflected configuration such that a reactant force is exerted on said two adjacent ones of said projectiles by the force exerting device.
 17. The round of ammunition of claim 16 wherein: the projectile receiving end portion of the casing has a substantially cylindrical cross-sectional configuration; the gas check body has a substantially round cross sectional configuration; and the gas check body has an outside diameter approximately the same as an inside diameter of the projectile receiving end portion of the casing.
 18. The round of ammunition of claim 16 wherein: the gas check body is engaged with a gas check body engagement surface of the innermost one of said projectiles; and the gas check body engagement surface is substantially flat
 19. The round of ammunition of claim 18 wherein the innermost projectile includes a gas check body retaining structure extending through an aperture within the gas check body.
 20. The round of ammunition of claim 19 wherein the gas check body retaining structure in integral with end extends from the gas check body engagement surface of the innermost one of said projectiles. 